Tindi in Russia

Introduction / History

The Tindi hail from the high mountains of extreme southwestern Dagestan. The central town of the Tindi people is picture-postcard famous throughout southern Russia. Its multi-tiered levels of homes and winding village streets command a dynamic view of surrounding snow-capped mountains. The distinct Tindi language is spoken in 14 villages in this mountainous region of Dagestan.

After 1813 their homeland became part of Russia. In 1944 part of the Tindi were moved by the communists to Chechnya, and it negatively influenced their culture.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their trade is cattle production and farming. They grow wheat, vegetables and make things of leather, wood and wool. The decisions of their village are made by the priest or mullah along with the elders. They meet together every Friday in the mosque for their business in a type of court based on the shariat, which has the laws the Muslims live by.

The husbands are the head of their families, and the wife is respected as a mother. Obedience of children to their parents and elders is very important. The Tindi villages are well known for religious and secular education in Dagestan. They believe they have to improve their physical perfection and spirituality. Many well-known scientists and theologians in the Muslim world came from Tindis. From this nation comes scientists, teachers, doctors and specialists. They highly value education and knowledge.

There was report of a gospel relationship with a young Tindi university student in a city of Dagestan. Pressures from Muslim Dagestanis broke this link with Christ followers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tindi have followed Sunni Islam for many centuries, in conjunction with ancient nature worship of the sun, moon and other created things. So far, the only spiritual hope for the Tindi has been to appease animistic spirits and obey the rules of Islam. They do not know of the sin-forgiving savior.

What Are Their Needs?

At this time there are no known believers among the Tindi. They need a gospel witness from within their culture and language.

Prayer Points

Pray that God’s Spirit will bring conviction of sin to the Tindi people.
Pray for weariness with futile religious striving, and for joy to break out from the marvelous grace of Jesus.
Pray for loving Christian linguists/ethnographers to honor the complex Tindi language and become “bridge people” into Tindi communities. Two redemptive linguistic efforts hope to connect with Tindi culture representatives.
Pray for a Korean team that hopes to move into Dagestan and open up relationships with the Tindi people.
Pray for the Tindi people to be protected from the widespread violence in their part of the world.

Text Source:   Joshua Project